A new way of farming is quietly sowing seeds of change. It has brought new life to family farms in Illinois, let city dwellers cultivate deep relationships with the people who grow their food in Rochester, N.Y., and allowed new farms to sprout up in Tulsa. The ultimate harvest may be the preservation of the family farm.

The No. 1-ranked Illini carry a school-record 18-0 start into a home game against No. 24 Iowa on Thursday. The historical context of their season has placed the Illini among the school's hoop icons. Two months from the NCAA Tournament, Illini fans anticipate the reward for a No. 1 seed.